Pneumatic apparatus for turning and stacking hosiery



July 17, 1962 J. E. KIENEL 3, 44,

PNEUMATIC APPARATUS FOR TURNING AND STACKING HOSIERY Filed Sept. 6, 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 1 NH) 40L I. 5 h N 56 UJHIIHIHIIIHM Hill]! I l Ill 22 Ill I r n i a I r i- H L 1 N N...

FIG!

INVENTOR.

JOSEPH E. KIENE L ATTOlP/VE J. E. KIENEL July 17, 1962 PNEUMATIC APPARATUS FOR TURNING AND STACKING HOSIERY Filed Sept. 6, 1955 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR.

JOSEPH E. KIENEL BY ATm/e/vm v July 17, 1962 J. E. KIENEL 3,044,669

PNEUMATIC APPARATUS FOR TURNING AND STACKING HOSIERY Filed Sept. 6, 1955 I s Sheets-Sheet 3 g as Q unnneznum 5 12 El m n I 94 FIG. I0

L RECTIFIER i 9 I INVENTOR JOSEPH E. KIENEL BY fl ATTORNEY Uite tates Patent Ofiiice 3,044,669 Patented July 17, 1962 This invention relates to a hosiery turning apparatus and is more particularly concerned with pneumatic apparatus for automatically turning and stacking hosiery. The present invention relates to apparatus of the type of my prior United States Patent No. 2,684,187 and the apparatus of United States Patent No. 2,944,709, formerly my co-pending patent application, Serial No. 468,208, filed November 12, 1954, entitled Pneumatic Apparatus for Turning and Stacking Hosiery and while this present invention constitutes an improvement thereover, it partakes of the objects, advantages and features set forth with respect thereto.

In the apparatus of the invention of my earlier filed co-pending application, a suction apparatus was provided whereby a stocking placed upon an inspection form or nozzle was inwardly withdrawn through the nozzle, after inspection, to evert the same. At the inner end of the nozzle, a suction tube was pivotally mounted whereby upon the application of suction the stocking would be withdrawn from the nozzle by the laterally pivoting motion so as to be subsequently deposited in a suitable receptacle when suction was released. While the apparatus of my former invention has been in successful operation and while the apparatus is effective and efiicient in carrying out the inspection and turning of hosiery, it has been found that a material saving in apparatus cost, space and the economic employment of the operator may be achieved by causing the path of travel of the stocking to be reversed and thus return the stocking to parallelism with the inspection form. By such means, not only is the linear extent of the path of travel of the stocking greatly reduced but at all times the stocking is presented within the same line of vision of the operator so that the operator need not turn head or body for observation of the functioning of the apparatus. In accomplishing this improvement, a reciprocation of parts is permitted and hence structural features may be simplified and improved.

It is therefore among the primary objects of the present invention to provide new and improved stocking inspection and turning apparatus by which a minimum space is required for the installation thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide apparatus by which the inspection and discharge of the stocking is maintained in a single co-planar field of vision.

It is also an object of the present invention to provide apparatus by which the path of travel of the stocking from the inspection to discharge is in a return circuit substantially U-shaped in path so as to minimize the linear extent of travel of the article.

A further object of the invention is to provide for the use of reciprocating means for withdrawing a stocking from the apparatus, thus avoiding oscillating parts and their attendant space requirements. I

The objects of the present invention also include that of providing new and improved automatic means for the control of the various elements of the hosiery turning and stacking apparatus whereby fully automatic operation may be achieved.

Numerous other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from consideration of the following specification taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation of apparatus formed in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1 with the top plate broken away. j

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken on the line 3-3 in FIG. 2. i

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation of the apparatus of 1 and 2. p

FIG. 5 is a horizontal cross-section taken on the line 5-5 in FIG. 4. I

FIG. 6 is a detail view of the stocking engaging fixture for withdrawing the stocking.

FIG. 7 is a right end view of the detail shown in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a detail cross-sectional view showing the stocking control switch of the apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a detail side elevation of the cam apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a schematic wiring diagram for the apparatus herein presented.

The structure of that form of the present invention here presented by Way of example may be generally characterized as comprising a cabinet including a work stacking table forwardly of which is mounted a freely rotatable tubular stocking supporting and inspection form onto I which a stocking may be stretched. By virtue of its tubular construction, suction may be applied longitudinal ly to withdraw the stocking therethrough in everted form after inspection. At the end of the form, an upwardly and inwardly extending substantially U-shaped tubular conduit is arranged by which the turned stocking is caused to travel in a return path. Associated with the upper end suction applying means which is arranged to engage the stocking and withdraw it from the tube to a position parallel to the inspection form so that upon cessation of suction after termination of the reciprocating motion, the stocking will be deposited upon the work stacking table in a position parallel to the inspection form within the line of vision of the operator and with the toe and welt in the same relative position they had upon the inspection form.

Referring to the drawings, the structure of that embodiment of the invention herein presented by way of illustration may be defined as comprisinga cabinet-like body 10 having right and left-hand end walls 11 and 12 as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, a vertical front skirt 13 and a removable back closure wall 15. At the front of the cabinet, there is provided a stocking receiving and stacking surface 15' upon which the inspected and turned stockings S are deposited, and an inwardly extending wall plate 16 surmounted by horizontal table surface 17 which may conveniently be used for the reception of stockings prior to inspection and inversion.

Extending forwardly from the right-hand front side of the body 10, there is provided a supporting bracket 20 adapted to receive a tubular rotary bearing housing 21 for rotatably supporting the stocking inspection form 22 over which the stocking is to be positioned for inspection.

As indicated in FIG. 3, form 22 is tubular, being provided with a central passage 23 defined by substantially tubular section 24 from the sides of which extend flanges 25. The shape and configuration of the form is suitably designed to receive thereover the stocking, its length being com mensurate with the desired length of the stocking to be inspected and its tapered width between flange edges providing for a suitable spread thereof. The member 22 is open at its outer free end, so that upon the application of suction through the passage 23 thereof, the stocking will be withdrawn into the tube with the foot end foremost so as to turn the stocking inside out from the position in which it is placed over the form. By means of free rotary mounting of the inner end 26 of the form, the same way may be readily rotated to facilitate the inspection of both sides of a stocking stretched thereover.

Leading upwardly and rearwardly from the bearing FIGS.

21, there is provided a suction tube 28 of generally U- shaped configuration preferably including portions of transparent material to facilitate observation of the passage of the stocking as it travels through the tubing. At the upper projected portion of the side 11, the tube 28 is secured to a tubular control coupling 30, the detailed construction of which is indicated in FIG. 8. The portion 30 has extending thereinto a pivotally mounted control finger 31 for the operation of a control switch 104 indicated in the diagram FIG. 10. The finger 31 is mounted upon a switch control shaft 32 within a switch control box 33 secured to coupling 30 and includes a push button switch 34 which may be provided to override the automatic operation of the control circuit by the arm 31. The arrangement of the arm 31 within the coupling 30 provides for a depression thereof and a switch operation as a stocking emerges under suction from the tube 28. As will be hereinafter described, such motion of the stocking actuating arm will initiate a withdrawing step in the cycle of operation.

For supplying suction to the tube 28 for withdrawing the stocking in inverted position through the tube 23 of the nozzle-like inspection form, there is provided a reciprocating suction head generally indicated by the numeral 40 in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4. As shown in FIG. 6, the suction head 40 is provided with an annular extended collar 41 adapted to receive the terminal end of the coupling 30 so that while the head 40 is in contact therewith, suction may be applied therethrough to the tubing 28. The head 40 is of substantially right angular configuration providing for a suction connection with the outer terminal leg 43 thereof. There is provided within the enlarged collar 41 a screen 43 adapted to admit suction to the coupling but to engage and preclude movement of the stocking therethrough. Mounted with the screen 43 on a pivot shaft 44, there is provided an internal stocking engaging arm 45, the shaft 44 of which extends through the coupling portion 41 to be engaged by a spring 46 to normally retain the arm 45 in downwardly inclined position as shown in FIG. 6 under which the stocking is adapted to be engaged. As hereinafter described, the head 40 is adapted for reciprocation toward and from tubing 28 and the terminal coupling 30 thereof. There is provided adjacent the head 40 -a fixed cam 48 against which an operating arm 49 on the outward extension of shaft 44 engages to move the shaft 44 in counter-clockwise direction to raise the arm 45 when the head 40 is in engagement with the coupling 30. Thus, in the operation of the device with the head 40 in engagement to provide for suction through the tubing 28, the arm 45 will be retained in upward position. A stocking induced by suction to pass through the passage 28 will engage the screen 43 which prevents further passage thereof and a portion of the stocking will underlie the arm 45. However, as the head 40 is withdrawn from engagement with the coupling 30, the cam follower 49 will be withdrawn from the fixed cam 48 so as to permit the arm 45 to be moved under the influence of spring 46 to the position shown in FIG. 6 whereby the toe of the stocking arrested by screen 43 will be engaged by the arm 45 and thus the stocking will be withdrawn from the tube 28 as the head 40 reciprocates to the left as in FIGS. 1 and 2. Such withdrawal thereof from the tube may thus be mechanical with the traverse of the head 40 regardless of the suction applied therethrough. In this manner, should suction fail during the operation of the device, the stocking will nevertheless be withdrawn from the tubing 28 for subsequent discharge to the work stacking surface in the manner hereinafter described.

Referring now more particularly to FIG. 4 of the drawing, it will be seen that the head 40 is mounted for reciprocating movement on a transversely extending bar 50, a depending bracket 51 being provided to also engage a lower bar 52 for adding stability to the reciprocable mounting of the head 40 and further to provide for the actuation of a counting mechanism by contact of the vertical bracket 51 with a pivotally mounted counter arm 53 secured for pivotal movement as at 54 and operable to move a horizontal pin 55 extending forwardly through the vertical panel 16 to engage a conventional counter 56 mounted on the panel 16.

For reciprocating the head 40 in timed sequence during the cycle of the operation of the apparatus, there is provided an upwardly extending oscillating link 60 pivoted as at 61 to a lower frame bar 62 at the base of the ap paratus and intermediately engaged by pivotal connection at 63 with a pitman rod 64 secured as at 65 with the outer terminal end of a crank 66 mounted upon a drive shaft 68 driven through speed reduction means 68 from a suitable source of power such as the electric motor 69. By this arrangement, it will be seen that upon rotation of the shaft 67, the crank 66 will move the pitman 64 to oscillate the link 60 about its pivot point 61, thus reciprocating the head 40 by virtue of the connection as at 70 of the upper end of the link 60 through arm 60' with a bracket 71 supporting the head 40 by its coupling 30, the inner engaged intermediate collar 72 and a right angular terminal coupling '73 which leads to a flexible suction tube 74, the lower end of which is engaged with a valve controlled suction tube 75.

Suction is applied through tubing 75 from a suitable exhaust fan 76 under operation by motor 7 8, an air filter being provided at 79 to preclude the discharge of lint and foreign matter which may be removed from the stocking as suction is applied thereto. For controlling the suction induced by the fan 76 as it is applied through the tubing 74, a valve indicated at 80 is positioned in the intake tube 75 to which the flexible tube 74 is connected. Valve 80 is adapted to be operated by rod 81 affixed to a pivoted arm 82 carrying a cam follower roller 83 adapted to engage a cam 84 mounted upon a cam disc 85 secured to the drive shaft 67 for rotation therewith. It will thus be seen that as shaft 67 rotates, the arm 82 will be periodically pivoted by engagement of the follower 83 with the cam 84 as the shaft 67 makes a complete revolution. Such pivotal movement of the shaft will of course actuate rod 81 to open or close the valve 20 in accordance with the desired machine cycle which will be hereinafter referred to. A foot treadle 91 is also provided by which the valve 30 may be actuated through link 92 at the will of the operator independently of the automatic cycle.

The cam disc 85 further actuates a limit switch control arm 86 having an end 87 actuated by pivoted arm 88 having a cam follower roller 89. Upon rotation of the cam disc 85, the roller 89 is urged outwardly from its normal inner position within a recess 90 of the cam disc 85 as the disc begins its rotation under the influence of rotation of the shaft 67. The arm 86 is adapted to actuuate a switch 105 coupled in circuit with the switch 104 operated by the finger 31 and referred to in the following discussion of the electrical circuit of the present apparatus. As indicated the arms 82 and 88 are pivotally mounted at their lower ends on pins 93 and 94 respectively while their upper ends are joined by a tensioning spring 95 which serves to cause the cam follower rollers 83 and 89 to bear against their respective cam surfaces.

As indicated in the circuit of FIG. 10, power may be supplied to the apparatus from a suitable source through main switch which has in continuous circuit therewith the fan motor 78 and the motion transmitting or or drive motor 69. Thus when the switch 100 is c osed, power is supplied to both motors 78 and 69 which are thus in continuous operation throughout the repeated cycles of operation of the device. Upon closing the switch 100, current is also supplied to a rectifier 101 and therefrom direct current is supplied through a conductor 102 to a control rheostat 103 and therefrom to parallel connected switch contacts 104 and 105. When either of these switches is closed, the circuit is established through a conductor 106 to a coil 107, thence returned through conductor 1% to the rectifier 1G1. The coil 167 is an electromagnet which, when energized, operates a magnetic clutch indicated at 116 between the speed reduction means 68 and the shaft 67. The arrangement is such that although the drive motor 69 is energized upon closing the master switch 1%, motion is not transmitted to the shaft 67 or to the cam mounted thereon until the magnetic clutch lllti is energized under the control of switch means Iii-t and 105. In the preferred circuit arrangement herein presented, the switch MM is adapted to be closed upon oscillation of the shaft 32 connected with the finger 31 and/ or by depression of the manual switch 34-. Thus the arrangement is such that when a stocking passes from the tubing 28 to the coupling 36 and strikes the finger 31, the switch 104 will be momentarily closed to energize the coil MP7. thus engaging the clutch fit to drive the shaft 67. By reference to FIG. 9, it will be clearly seen that as the shaft 67 begins its rotation, the follower 89 will be moved from the recess 90 of the disc 85, thus moving outwardly the arm 88 and with it the end 87 whereby arm 86 will be rotated. Arm S6 eontrols the switch M5 and from the configuration of the disc 85, it will be seen that the switch 1% will be retained in closed position throughout one complete revolution of the shaft 67. Therefore, after the initial energization of the clutch lit) by the closing of switch 104, the circuit will be retained closed by the closing of switch 165 and the clutch will thus be engaged throughout the revolution of the shaft 57 until the follower 89 is again received within the recess hit of the cam disc 85.

From the foregoing discussion, it will be seen that in the operation of the device, the stocking is placed upon the form 22 by stretching the same thereon, the toe of the stocking being transverse of the open end of the tube 23 extending through the nozzle. In such operation, it will be of course understood that the main switch 1% has been closed and the fan motor 78 and drive motor 6& are both energized. Assuming the elements of the apparatus to be in the position indicated in the present figures, suction will be induced by the fan 76, the valve 80 will be open and such suction will thus be applied through the flexible tubing 74 to the head 4t and thence through the tubing 28 to the form or nozzle 22. inspection may be carried out through rotation of the form 22, and when such inspection is complete the stocking is released for travel inwardly and everted, or turned inside out from its position while disposed upon the outer surface of the form. In the meantime, While the motor 6h is energized, the magnetic clutch 110 is not energized since switches 1M and 165 are both open and thus no rotation is imparted to the shaft 67 during this portion of operation. When the stocking is released, it passes through the tube 23 of the form 22 and through the tubing 23 to engage the finger 31 and rotate shaft 32 whereupon switch 104 is closed. The coil 107 of magnetic clutch lift is thus energized and shaft 67 is rotated, moving the crank 66 and pitman 64 to oscillate the link on whereupon head 40 will move to the left, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, to withdraw the head 40 from the coupling 39. As aforesaid, the arm 45 of the head 40 will be in raised position while the head is engaged with coupling 3d and the stocking'sucked through the coupling 30 will engage under the arm 45 and be restrained by the screen 43'. When the head 4% is moved to the left, it not only disengages from coupling 3% but also disengages the cam follower 49 from the cam i8, thus releasing the arm 45 which is moved under the tension of spring 46 to clamp the stocking. By the travel of the head 40' to the left under the influence of the motor 69' as aforesaid, the stocking will be withdrawn from the tubing 2-8. A the head 40 approaches the extreme left side of the apparatus as depicted in broken lines in FIGS. 1 and 2, the follower 49 of arm 45 will engage and ride upon a hired terminal cam 111 thereby again raising arm 45 to release the stocking. At the same time the cam 84 moves 6 the follower 83 to the left, as shown in FIG. 9, thus reciprocating the rod 81 and closing the valve 8t so as to cut off suction applied through the flexible tubing 74. By 7 this means, it will be seen that the stocking is completely released from the head 4i) and will then fall freely upon the work stacking surface 15. By continued rotation of the motor shaft 67 since the cam follower is still riding on the enlarged outer periphery of the disc 85, the head 40 will be returned by the second half of the cycle of rotation of the shaft 67 and the parts will thus be restored to the position indicated in the drawing wherein the valve 80 is open to admit suction through the tubing 74 and the head 4% is engaged with the coupling 30. Upon the termination of this cycle of motion, it will be seen that the switch 1&4 still retains its open position and the follower 89 will drop into the recess 91 to open the switch and the cycle of operation is thus concluded.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention provides a novel, simple and improved stocking inspection, turning and stacking apparatus by which a minimum of floor space is required and by which inspection and deposit of the stockings may be provided in a single view plane without requiring movement of the operator. The apparatus further provides complete automatic operation and avoids the necessity of oscillating parts which are both hazardous and space consuming. In the practice of the invention, it will be understood that numerous changes, modifications and the full use of equavalents may be resorted to without departure from the spirit or scope thereof as defined by the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a stocking turning machine, a nozzle having stocking inlet and outlet openings over which a stocking may be placed, a return bent tube communicating with the outlet opening of the nozzle for receiving the stocking from said nozzle engageable with the toe of a stocking I at said outlet opening and means for discharging said stocking from said tube in a plane substantially parallel with said nozzle,

2. In a stocking turning machine, a nozzle having stocking inlet and outlet opening over which a stocking may be placed, a return bent tube communicating with the outlet opening of the nozzle for receiving the stocking from said nozzle, and reciprocating suction means engageable with the toe of a stocking at said outlet opening for discharging said stocking from said tube in a plane substantially parallel with said nozzle.

3. In a stocking turning machine, a nozzle having stocking inlet and outlet openings over which a stocking may be placed, a return bent tube communicating with the outlet opening of the nozzle for receiving the stocking from said nozzle, suction means engageable with the toe of a stocking at said outlet opening for withdrawing a stocking inwardly through said tube and reciprocating means for discharging said stocking from said tube in a plane substantially parallel with said nozzle.

4. In a stocking turning machine, a nozzle having stocking inlet and outlet openings over which a stocking may be placed, a return bent tube communicating with the outlet opening of the nozzle for receiving the stocking from said nozzle, suction means for withdrawing a stocking inwardly through said tube, reciprocating means engageable with the toe of a stocking at said outlet opening for discharging said stocking from said tube in a plane parallel with said nozzle, and means for automatically controlling said suction with the reciprocation of said reciprocating means.

5. In a device of the character described, a hollow inspection nozzle having stocking inlet and outlet openings to receive a stocking thereover for inspection, tubing communicating with said nozzle for directing a stocking from said nozzle toward a path of travel substantially parallel with said nozzle and means engageable with the 7 toe of a stocking at said outlet opening for moving a stocking along said path.

6. In a device of the character described, a hollow inspection nozzle having stocking inlet and outlet openings to receive a stocking thereover for inspection, tubing communicating with said nozzle for directing a stocking from said nozzle toward a path of travel substantially parallel with said nozzle, and reciprocable means engageable with the toe of a stocking at the outlet opening for moving a stocking along said path, said means including a suction device.

7. In a device of the character described, a hollow inspection nozzle having stocking inlet and outlet openings to receive a stocking thereover for inspection, tubing communicating with said nozzle for directing a stocking from said nozzle toward a path of travel substantially parallel with said nozzle, and rcciprocable means engageable with the toe of a stocking at said outlet opening for moving a stocking along said path, said means including a suction device and means for releasing suction at the end of travel of said means.

8. In a stocking turning apparatus, including a hollow inspection form having stocking inlet and outlet openings, reciprocating suction means engageable with the toe of a stocking at said outlet opening for withdrawing a stocking from said outlet opening.

9. In a stocking turning apparatus, an inspection device having stocking inlet and outlet openings for mounting a stocking, a return bent delivery tube communicating with the outlet opening of said device for receiving a stocking from said device, and reciprocating means engageable with the toe of a stocking at said outlet opening for withdrawing said stocking from said delivery tube.

10. A hosiery turning and stacking apparatus including a hosiery form having a hosiery passage therethrough over which hosiery may be placed, a return bent tube communicating with said passage for receiving hosiery from said form and means at an outlet of said tube for withdrawing hosiery from said tube and for discharging said hosiery in a plane substantially parallel with said form.

11. A hosiery turning and stacking apparatus including a hosiery form having a hosiery passage therethrough over which hosiery may be placed, a return bent tube communicating with said passage for receiving hosiery, suction means for withdrawing hosiery inwardly through said form and tube and reciprocating means for discharging hosiery from said tube in a plane substantially parallel with said form.

12. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a form defining a hosiery passage therethrough having a hosiery receiving opening and a hosiery delivery opening, means for drawing hosiery from said form into said passage toe foremost in a path of travel axially of said form and in a direction from the receiving opening to the delivery opening of said passage, guide means communicating with said passage for directing hosiery upon delivery from said passage for travel toe foremost in a direction opposite to the direction of travel within the passage and in a path substantially parallel to the axis of said form.

13. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a form defining a hosiery passage therethrough having a hosiery receiving opening at one end and a hosiery delivery opening at the other end, suction means for drawing hosiery from said form into said passage toe foremost in a path of travel axially of said passage and in a direction from the receiving opening to the delivery opening of said passage, guide means communicating with said passage for directing hosiery upon delivery from said passage for travel toe foremost in a direction opposite to the direction of travel within the passage and in a path parallel to the axis of said form.

14. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a form defining a hosiery passage therethrough having a hosiery receiving opening at one end and a hosiery delivery open- Cir ing at the other end, suction means for drawing hosiery from said form into said passage toe foremost in a path of travel axially of said form and in a direction from the receiving opening to the delivery opening of said passage, guide means communicating with said passage for directing hosiery upon delivery from said passage for travel toe foremost in a direction opposite to the direction of travel within the form and in a path parallel to the axis of said form, and suction means for moving hosiery through said guide means.

15. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a form defining a hosiery passage therethrough having a hosiery receiving opening at one end and a hosiery delivery opening at the other end, suction means for drawing hosiery from said form into said passage toe foremost in a path of travel axially of said form in a direction from the receiving opening to the delivery opening of said passage, guide means communicating with said passage for directing hosiery upon delivery from said passage for travel toe foremost in a direction opposite to the direction of travel within the form and in a path parallel to the axis of said form, and suction means for moving hosiery through said guide means including a reciprocating toe engaging member traveling in a rectilinear path.

16. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a hollow hosiery inspection form, means for rotatably mounting said form to facilitate inspection of hosiery drawn thereover, a generally U-shaped hosiery receiving passage communicating with said form, and means for applying suction to said passage to draw hosiery toe foremost through said form and said passage.

17. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a hollow hosiery inspection form, means for rotatably mounting said form to facilitate inspection of hosiery drawn thereover, a generally U-shaped hosiery receiving passage communicating with said form, means for applying suction to said passage to draw hosiery toe foremost through said form and said passage and means for drawing hosiery forwardly from said U-shaped passage.

18. In a hosiery'turning and stacking machine, a hollow hosiery inspection form, means for rotatably mounting said form to facilitate inspection of hosiery drawn thereover, a generally U-shaped hosiery receiving passage communicating with said form, a hosiery receiving surface parallel with said form, means for applying suction to said passage to draw hosiery toe foremost through said form and said passage, and means for drawing hosiery forwardly from said U-shaped passageway over said receiving surface.

19. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a hollow hosiery inspection form, means for rotatably mounting said form to facilitate inspection of hosiery drawn thereover, a generally U-shaped hosiery receiving passage communicating with said form, a hosiery receiving surface parallel with said form, means for applying suction to said passage to draw hosiery toe foremost through said form and through said passage, and reciprocating means for drawing hosiery forwardly from said U-shaped passage over said receiving surface.

20. In a hosiery turning and stacking machine, a hollow hosiery inspection form, means for rotatably mounting said form to facilitate inspection of hosiery drawn thereover, a generally U-shaped hosiery receiving passage communicating with said form, a hosiery receiving surface parallel with said form, means for applying suction to said passage to draw hosiery toe foremost through said form and said passage, and reciprocating suction means for drawing hosiery forwardly from said U-shaped passage over said receiving surface.

21. The method of everting hosiery from a nozzle having a passage therein which includes the steps of drawing the hose welt first over the nozzle, causing a pressure differential in said nozzle to draw the hose toe foremost into said nozzle passage, directing said hose toe foremost toward movement parallel with said nozzle and with said nozzle and in said direction opposite its direction of travel in said passage.

22. The method of everting and stacking hosiery from a nozzle having a passage therein to a stacking surface which includes the steps of drawing the hose welt first over the nozzle, causing a pressure diiferential in said nozzle to draw the hose toe foremost into said nozzle passage, and withdrawing the hose from the tube in a path of travel parallel to the axis of the nozzle and in a direction opposite to the direction. of movement of said hose in said tube to a position on a stacking surface and releasing said hose to be received on said surface.

23. A hosiery turning and stacking apparatus comprising a hosiery form having a hosiery receiving passage extending therethrough, means for applying a pneumatic pressure differential into the interior of said passage for causing hosiery on the form to pass through said passage, hosiery engaging meansdisposed adjacent to an outlet of said passage behind said form, a hosiery stacking surface behind and below said form, and traversing means for moving said engaging means along a path from said outlet over said stacking surface to cause said engaging means to withdraw the hosiery from said outlet'upon movement of said engaging means away from said outlet, and means to cause said engaging means to release the hosiery so as to drop it on said surface.

24. In apparatus of the class described, an inlet means, exhaust means selectively movable to connect with said inlet means and draw air therethrough, said inlet means being provided with a free end over which an article of hosiery may be fitted for turning by being drawn off said end and through said inlet means by said exhaust means when said exhaust means is connected with said inlet means, and control means responsive to said article in said inlet means to disengage said exhaust means from said inlet means to remove said turned article of hosiery from said inlet means.

25. In a hosiery turner, nozzle means over which a hose is placed to be drawn toe-first into said nozzle means, exhaust means removably connected to said nozzle means, automatic control means connected to said exhaust means and positioned to detect the presence of said hose passing into said nozzle means and thereupon to remove said exhaust means from said nozzle means for withdrawing said hose from said nozzle means.

26. In apparatus of the class described, an inlet means, exhaust means operable to draw air into said inlet means, said inlet means being provided with an outlet and with a free end over which an article may be fitted for turning by being drawn oif said free end and into said inlet means by said exhaust means, reciprocating means selectively movable to block said outlet and then to withdraw said article from said outlet while releasably holding said article to transport it for stacking, and automatic control means responsive to said article in said inlet means to control operation of said reciprocating means.

27. In apparatus of the class described, an inlet means, exhaust means operable to draw air into said inlet means, said inlet means being provided with a free end over which articles may be fitted one at a time for turning by being drawn off said end and into said inlet means by said exhaust means, movable means operable to temporarily hold said articles and withdraw said articles from said inlet means one at a time, and automatic control means responsive to said articles in said inlet means to control operation of said movable means, said movable means being operable to release said articles for stacking.

28. A hosiery turning and stacking apparatus, including a hosiery form having a hosiery receiving passage extending therethrough, means for applying a pneumatic pressure differential to the interior of said passage whereby hosiery is caused to pass through said passage, a hosiery stacking surface, and traversing means movable to and from said passage for moving hosiery along a definite predetermined path from an outlet of said passage over said stacking surface, said surface being below said traversing means.

29. A hosiery turning and stacking apparatus, including a hosiery form having a hosiery receiving passage extending therethrough, means for applying a pneumatic pressure differential to the interior of said passage whereby hosiery is caused to pass through said passage, 21 hosiery stacking surface, and traversing means movable to and from said passage for moving hosiery along a definite predetermined path from an outlet of said passage over said stacking surface, said surface being below said traversing means and displaced laterally-from said form.

30. A method of turning and stacking hosiery which includes the steps of drawing the hosiery welt first over a hollow form having at least one open end whereby the toe of the hosiery covers said one open end of said form, producing a pressure differential in said form to draw the hosiery toe foremost into said form, Withdrawing said hosiery toe foremost from said form at a point remote from said open end, conducting said hose toe foremost in a predetermined path of travel to a position I over a stacking surface, and releasing said hosiery to drop on said surface.

31. A hosiery inspecting and everting device including I a hollow inspection form over which hosiery may be drawn for inspection purposes, said form defining a passage for the movement of hosiery therethrough, an opening at the front end thereof to receive hosiery toe foremost for travel through the passage and a rear opening for the discharge of hosiery toe foremost from the passage, pressure differential means for causing the hosiery to be everted and pulled through said passage, and reciprocating means adjacent the rear opening of said passage for receiving the toe end of the hosiery from the rear opening of said passage and conveying the hosiery toe foremost to a receiving means While drawing the body of the hosiery from the passage of the tube.

32. A hosiery inspecting and everting device including a rotary hollow inspection form over which hosiery may drawn for inspection purposes, said form defining a passage for the movement of hosiery therethrough, an opening at the front end thereof to receive hosiery toe foremost for travel through the passage and a rear opening for the discharge of hosiery toe foremost from the passage, and reciprocating means adjacent the rear opening of the passage for receiving the toe end of the hosiery from the rear opening of said passage vand conveying the hosiery toe foremost to a receiving means while drawing the body of the hosiery from the passage of the tube, said last mentioned means including a suction device operable to draw the hosiery to be everted and pulled toe foremost through said passage prior to the conveyance of the hosiery from the rear opening to the means for receiving the hosiery.

33. In hosiery turning and stacking apparatus, the eombination of a bodily fixed hollow elongate hosiery inspection form defining a hosiery receiving passage having a hosiery inlet and a hosiery outlet and mounted for rotation along a longitudinal axis, means associated with said passage whereby hosiery is caused to pass through said passage, a hosiery stacking surface, and means movable from said outlet over said stacking surface in a fixed path for extending and moving hosiery from said outlet over said stacking surface and for depositing said hosiery on said surface while extended.

34. In hosiery turning and stacking apparatus, the combination of a bodily fixed hollow elongate hosiery inspection form defining a hosiery receiving passage having a hosiery inlet and a hosiery outlet and mounted for rotation along a longitudinal axis, means associated with said passage whereby hosiery is caused to pass through said passage, a hosiery stacking surface, and a pneumatic gripper movable from said outlet over said stacking surface 1 1 in a fixed path for gripping said hosiery by the toe at said outlet and moving said hosiery toe foremost from said outlet over said stacking surface and for releasing said hosiery at said stacking surface.

35. In hosiery turning and stacking apparatus, the combination of a hosiery form defining a hosiery receiving passage having a hosiery inlet and a hosiery outlet, means for applying a pneumatic pressure differential to the interior of said passage whereby hosiery is caused to pass through said passage, a hosiery stacking surface, and means movable from said outlet over said stacking surface in a fixed path for extending and moving hosiery from said outlet over said stacking surface and for depositing said hosiery on said surface while extended.

36. In hosiery turning and stacking apparatus, the combination of a hosiery form defining a hosiery receiving passage having a hosiery inlet and a hosiery outlet, means for applying a pneumatic pressure differential to the interior of said passage whereby hosiery is caused to pass through said passage, a hosiery stacking surface, and a pneumatic gripper movable from said outlet over said stacking surface in a fixed path for gripping said hosiery by the toe at said outlet and moving said hosiery toe foremost from said outlet over said stacking surface and for releasing said hosiery at said stacking surface.

37. In apparatus of the class described, an inlet means, exhaust means selectively movable to connect with said inlet means and draw air therethrough and having stocking engaging means thereon, said inlet means being provided with a free end over which an article of hosiery may be fitted for everting by being drawn oif said end and through said inlet means by said exhaust means when said exhaust means is connected with said inlet means, and control means responsive to said article in said inlet means to disengage said exhaust means from said inlet means and remove said turned article of hosiery from said inlet means.

38. In hosiery everting and stacking apparatus, the combination of a bodily fixed hollow elongate hosiery inspection form defining a hosiery receiving passage having a hosiery inlet and a hosiery outlet, means mounting said form along a longitudinal axis, means associated with said passage whereby hosiery is caused to pass through said passage, an elongate hosiery stacking surface, and means movable from said outlet over said stacking surface in a fixed path for extending and moving hosiery from said outlet over said stacking surface and for depositing said hosiery on said surface while extended.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 620,251 Pratt Feb. 28, 1899 964,959 Ennentrout July 19, 1910 2,722,348 Ammon Nov. 1, 1955 2,818,205 DeSpain Dec. 31, 1957 FOREIGN PATENTS 217,980 Great Britain June 24, 1924 

